BACKGROUND
The sport of golf is a major professional and recreational activity. Millions of people play the sport on a regular basis in the United States alone. Individual players often desire to distinguish themselves from other golfers by their attire as well as by their quality of play. Many golfers enjoy displaying brands and various insignia on specialized golf clothing and equipment, including hats, shirts, golf bags, and club covers. However, other avenues of display are desired by golfers and advertisers. More versatile display forms are also desired.
Further, the golfing industry is becoming increasingly ripe with new equipment and accouterment which standard golf bags may be unable to accommodate. In some circumstances, golfers must occasionally or routinely change golf bags for various reasons such as advertising and endorsement requirements. The constant transfer of equipment and accouterment between bags can waste precious time that could otherwise be spent on the golfing greens, and can cause items to be misplaced and force a golfer to brave the greens without essentials.
SUMMARY
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for enhancing one or more legs of a golf bag support device. In particular, this disclosure describes techniques for enhancing golf bag support devices by increasing aesthetic and functional values thereof. It should be noted that although the techniques of this disclosure are described with respect to examples for golf bag support devices, the techniques described herein are generally applicable to all manner of luggage and support devices therefore.
A device for a golf bag support can include an elongated body comprising an outer surface and an axial cavity capable of accepting a leg of a golf bag support; and an attachment means capable of securably maintaining the axial cavity in a mated position with the leg, wherein axial cavity defines an inner surface and the device increases the outer surface area of the leg. The device can include one or more of aesthetic and functional elements.
A golf bag can comprise a container to receive golf clubs therein and a stand connected to the container. The stand can include at least two legs moveable between a stand position and a retracted position. The golf bag can further comprise at least one device attached to either leg, each of the at least one device including an elongated body comprising an outer surface axial cavity capable of accepting one of the legs and an attachment means capable of securably maintaining the axial cavity in a mated position with the leg. The device can include one or more of aesthetic and functional elements.
The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 1A illustrates a golf bag and a support device known in the art.
FIG. 1B illustrates a golf bag support device known in art.
FIG. 2 illustrates a device for a golf bag support, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
FIGS. 3A-E illustrate cross-sectional top views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
FIGS. 4A-D illustrate cross-sectional side views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
FIGS. 5A-B illustrate perspective views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of a device for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
FIGS. 6A-D illustrate side views of devices for golf bag supports, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is described with reference to the attached figures, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate the invention. Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide an understanding of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The present invention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 1A-B show two embodiments of golf bag supports known in the art. FIG. 1A shows a golf bag system including a golf bag 101 coupled with a golf bag support 100. Golf bags 101 can comprise, among other things, side pockets 120. Golf bag support 100 comprises at least one, and typically at least two legs 110. Legs 110 allow a golf bag to be released from the grasp of a golfer and maintained in an upright position. An upright position can include a 90 degree position relative to the ground, a 60 degree to 90 degree position relative to the ground, or any angled position relative to the ground such that the contents of the bag are maintained therein, or particular parts of the bag 101 or support 100 are prevented from contacting the ground (e.g., a side pocket 120 or a knuckle 115). Embodiments provided herein can be practiced with all manner of bag support systems, including basic support systems comprising only support legs, bag support systems further comprising backpack or carry straps, bag support systems comprising wheeled pull-carts, and the like. A golf bag is typically carried on a golfer's shoulder or back, and the golfer sets the bag down to retrieve items stored therein.
Golf bag support 100 further comprises support bars 112 which restrict the motion of the one or more legs 110 and connect thereto at one or more knuckles 115 (e.g., connections, joints, etc.). One or more legs 110 can be capable of moving from a deployed position (shown) to a compact position (not shown), such movement often being facilitated by a knuckle 115 which is jointed or movable along a leg 110. One or more legs 110 can each comprise a base 111 to provide surface gripping or to allow a leg 110 end to contiguously orient against a surface in a substantially vertical position without penetrating or damaging the surface. In some embodiments a base 111 has a smaller diameter than the leg 110, a substantially similar diameter as the leg 110, or a larger diameter than the leg 110. In some embodiments the base 111 is part of the leg 110 and may simply embody the end of the leg 110. FIG. 1B shows a golf bag support 100′ which is capable of accepting a golf bag 101. Legs 110′ provide structure to the support 100′.
FIG. 2 shows a golf bag 101, golf bag support 100, and a leg enhancer 200 on each leg 110. A leg enhancer 200 can include an outer surface 201, one or more aesthetic facings 210 such as a decal or painted on logo, and one or more functional elements 220 such as a dry erase board, magnet, or score card holder. Outer surface 201 and/or aesthetic facing 210 can comprise a separate layer of material, or can simply comprise the outer portion of the entire leg enhancer 200. Aesthetic facings 210 can cover a portion of a leg enhancer 200 outer surface 201 or the entire outer surface 201. Aesthetic facings 210 can include all manner of personalized and organization-affiliated material. Aesthetic facings 210 can display aspects particular to a golfer (e.g., name, player number, hometown, zodiac symbol, favorite Bible verse, etc), aspects particular to an organization (e.g., organization names or logos, product names or logos, organization slogans, organization or product mascots, etc), or aspects particular to an event (e.g., event name, event location, event purpose, among other things). Aesthetic facings 210 can be directly integrated into or represented by the outer surface 201 material, such as outer surface 201 coloring, texture or material choice. Aesthetic facings 201 and functional elements 220 can be attached or integrated directly into the leg enhancer 200, for example.
Outer surface 201 can comprise an outer material coating different from the main leg enhancer 200 material of construction, or an outer sheath. For example, outer surface can comprise a shrink-wrapped layer capable of serving functional (e.g., water proofing) or aesthetic purposes. Outer surface 201 can be air-inflated. Outer surface can comprise a zipper or sealable access means. The outer surface 201 can be a single layer or single construction material of the leg enhancer 200.
A leg enhancer 200 generally attaches to a golf bag support leg 110. Leg enhancer 200 can attach to a leg 110 spaced above a leg base 111, proximate or contiguous with a leg base 111, or extended down past the leg base 111. A leg enhancer 200 can have an axial length appropriate for its use. For example, a leg enhancer axial length can be sized to fit the length of a senior sized golf bag support leg, or sized to fit the length of a junior sized golf bag support leg. A leg enhancer axial length can be determined to fit any given leg length.
FIG. 2 shows a leg enhancer 200 which allows for customization of a support 100 of a golf bag system by utilizing legs 110 which are relied upon for basic support. In some endorsement or participation arrangements, golf bags are provided and a user is restricted from altering the bag (e.g., adding endorsements or personalization, or covering endorsements or functional elements of the bag). Embodiments provided herein enable a user to adhere to imposed endorsement or participation arrangement conditions, while allowing for enhanced personalization, modification, or functionality of the user's overall equipment set. Leg enhancers 200 also allow for a golfer to swap golf bags between a common support (e.g., support 100 or support 100′) while maintaining essential or preferred aesthetic or functional elements on the common support.
Similar advantages are realized by golf experience providers (e.g., corporate sponsors, tournament sponsors, golf course owners, golf clubs, etc.). A golf experience provider can supply golf bag supports to golfers, and maintain on the provided supports aesthetic facings 210, such as an organization or sponsor logo, and/or functional elements 220 such as GPS trackers. By utilizing embodiments of the leg enhancers 200 provided herein, a golf experience provider is thus immediately able to advance several objectives including promoting personal or sponsorship brands, and preventing theft of organizational equipment by rogue golf participants.
FIGS. 3A-E show cross-sectional top views of several embodiments of leg enhancers 200. FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional top view of a leg enhancer embodiment 300 having an outer surface 201, an axial cavity 205 defining an inner surface 204. Leg enhancer 300 has a cross sectional diameter 202 and axial cavity has a cross sectional diameter 206. In some embodiments, cross sectional diameter 202 and axial cavity cross sectional diameter 206 can be variable when leg enhancer is comprised of materials which are not entirely rigid. Diameter 206 can be greater than the diameter of a leg 110 or the same or substantially similar than the diameter of a leg 110. In some embodiments, when the leg enhancer is constructed from materials which are not entirely rigid (e.g., extruded polyethylene), the diameter 206 can be smaller than the diameter of a leg such that the leg enhancer 300 can be installed to a leg 110 fully or partially by compression fit. Compression fitting can be considered an attachment means. Similarly, the inner surface 204 can comprise a material having a high frictional, adhesive, or suction properties which aid in maintaining the inner surface 204 in contact with a leg 110. The axial length of a leg enhancer can be modified to accommodate various leg 110 lengths, and aesthetic or functional purposes. Diameter 202 can be similarly modified.
Leg enhancers in many embodiments can be installed on a leg 110 simply by sliding the leg 110 into the axial cavity 205. When such installation is not possible due to leg 110 and leg enhancer 200 dimensions, design, and/or materials of construction or attachment means (e.g., two-sided tape applied to the inner surface 204, or leg 110), embodiments can include an axial slit 209 which extends partially or fully between the inner surface 204 and the outer surface 201. Axial slit 209 enables ready installation of a leg enhancer and can accommodate to various leg 110 designs. For example, a leg enhancer 300 can include an axial slit 209 when a leg 100 includes a base 111 and the base 111 diameter exceeds the actual or maximum variable axial cavity diameter 206. Axial slit 209 can allow a portion of a leg 110 to remain exposed when a leg enhancer 300 is installed thereon. Axial slit 209 may further allow for a leg enhancer 300 to be installed on a leg 100 without interfering with support bar 112 or knuckle 115.
Leg enhancers can comprise one or more axial slits, wherein any of the axial slits are capable of receiving a sign, card, or planar structure. For example, an axial slit can receive a score card such that the plane of the card extends radially outward from the leg enhancer. The axial slit can also receive a planar structure such that the plane of the structure is parallel with a cross section of the leg enhancer. Planar structures can include score cards, advertising material, decorative elements, and the like.
FIG. 3B shows a leg enhancer 300 wherein the axial cavity center 207 is positioned a distance 208 from the leg enhancer center 203. Distance 208 can be modified to accomplish aesthetic goals, in addition to accomplishing functional goals. For example, a distance 208 can be chosen such that a portion of the outer surface 201 of the leg enhancer 300 has a minimized distanced from the axial cavity center 207, or leg 110 when positioned therein. This prevents movement of a leg 110 from a deployed position to a compact position from being obstructed by leg enhancer 300 outer surface 201 contacting a portion of a golf bag 101 or support 100. The orientation of leg enhancer center 203 and axial cavity center 207 can be chosen such that the difference between the leg enhancer diameter and distance 208 is equal to or less than the distance between a golf bag 101 and a leg 110 when in a compact orientation. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B′, a distance 208 can be chosen wherein the axial cavity inner surface 204 is exposed and continuous with outer surface 201.
FIG. 3C shows a leg enhancer cross sectional design 301 having 3 faces. A leg enhancer can similarly embody any number of faces. For example, FIG. 3D shows an embodiment wherein a leg enhancer has a cross sectional design 302 having two faces. Axial cavity 205 can be positioned, for example, closest to face 320 in order to prevent interfering with the movement of a leg 110 from a deployed position to a compact position. In other embodiments, the axial cavity of a leg enhancer can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as triangular, square, as shown in FIG. 3E, ovular, or the like. An inner cavity cross sectional shape can be chosen to match the cross sectional shape of a leg. In other embodiments, an inner cavity cross sectional shape can be different from the cross sectional shape of a leg, to allow for compression fitting, for example.
FIGS. 4A-D show embodiments of leg enhancers with various side profiles. FIG. 4A shows a leg enhancer 400 having a rectangular side profile wherein the leg enhancer cross sectional diameter does not vary axially. FIGS. 4B-C show leg enhancers wherein the cross sectional diameter varies axially. FIG. 4B shows a leg enhancer 401 having a triangular or trapezoidal side profile. FIG. 4C shows a leg enhancer 402 having a round or bulbous side profile. FIG. 4D shows a leg enhancer 403 having a mimicking outer contour. A mimicking contour can reference commercial products, sports equipment, personalities, geographic features, and the like. Leg enhancers can have side profiles with replicated units. In particular, leg enhancer 403 has replicated units 410 which mimic soda or beer cans. Such replicated units 410 can be paired with functional or aesthetic elements 411, such as a brand logo. Mimicking outer profiles such as side profile 403 can be useful, for example, for beverage companies in advertising products at a public and/or televised golf event. Leg enhancers, such as 403, provide an advertising entity added flexibility in promoting products, particularly when a golf event participants are restricted from modifying their golf bags or outfits. Aesthetic or functional elements, such as 411, can be removable or allow for additional elements to be installed thereover, and therefore allow for a leg enhancer 403 to be reused, for example, to promote a variety of different products or brands.
FIG. 5A shows a leg enhancer 200 and various attachment means. Straps 530 can be used to attach a leg enhancer 200 to a leg 110, a knuckle 115, or another golf bag 101 or support 100 element. Straps 530 can further be used to hold accessories, such as golf gloves or rain ponchos. Attachment means can be integrated or applied to the leg enhancer, one or more legs or any combination of the above. Leg enhancer attachment means 510 can comprise Velcro, adhesive tape, hooks, clasps, or the like. Attachment means 510 can permanently or removably couple a leg enhancer 200 to a golf bag support leg 110. In some embodiments, a leg enhancer 200 can comprise attachment means 520 such as snaps, or holes capable of accepting cord, for permanently or removably coupling the leg enhancer 200 to a golf bag support leg 110. Cord can comprise functional or aesthetic elements, or both, such as hockey laces, and can be woven through holes 520 similar to a shoe or woman's corset in order to secure the leg enhancer 200 to a leg 110. Adhesive tape can be used to attach a leg enhancer to a leg 110. In some embodiments, adhesive tape contacts one or more of a leg 110 and a leg enhancer inner surface 204.
FIG. 5B shows a leg enhancer 200 having an axial slit 209 and a second axial slit 509 which can separate leg enhancer 500 into two halves. Hinges 540 connect the halves and allow for installation on a golf bag support leg 110. In particular, such hinged embodiments are beneficial when the leg enhancer is constructed from a hard, inflexible material such as wood, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), metal, or the like.
FIG. 5C shows a leg enhancer 200 having a variety of functional elements. Any functional elements as disclosed herein can comprise a leg enhancer singularly or in combination with the same or other functional elements or aesthetic elements. A leg enhancer 200 can comprise one or more indicator lights 550, a radio 552, one or more display screens 555, one or more accessory clips 570, one or more outer accessory pockets 590, a washing apparatus including one or more of a brush 566, a water dispensing gun, and a cavity 560 capable of containing water. A cavity 560 can also hold accessories such as golf tees and balls. Electronic elements such as the indicator lights 550, radio 552, and display screen 555 can be couple with a power source on the leg enhancer 200, or connect to a power source located, for example, in a golf bag pocket 120 via a wire 580. Display screen 555 can comprise a GPS, a yardage tool, or wirelessly connect to the internet. Display screen 555 can comprise a touch screen and can be used for golf match scoring. In tournament play, display screen 555 can display information such as weather and player rankings. Indicator lights 550 can be used to indicate personal information such as team affiliation, match information such as number of strokes, or be purely decorative. For example, a leg enhancer can comprise indicator lights in sets of 9 to keep score for one or more rounds of golf. Indicator lights 550 can be located in various formats over all surfaces of the leg enhancer 200. For example, indicator lights 550 can be positioned in the shape of a logo.
Washing elements such as the water dispensing gun 565 and cavity 560 can be in fluid communication via a tube. A tube can comprise a flexible or inflexible pipe, tube, or the like. Tube 581 can connect the washing elements such as the water dispending gun 565 to an external water source located, for example, in a golf bag pocket 120. Water dispensing element can be used in combination with brush 566 to clean golf clubs, golf balls, golf cleats, and other equipment.
Leg enhancer 200 can comprise one or more accessory clips 570 for holding beverages, golf balls, golf clubs, alignment sticks, pencils or dry erase markers, and the like. A golf bag is often carried on a golfer's back, and accessory clips 570 provide the golfer ready access to accessories without having to set the golf back down. For example, a golfer can access a water bottle held by an accessory clip 570 while walking. Clip 570 can be configured to hold a cell phone for viewing, charging or general storage. Such a configuration can be considered a cell phone dock.
Outer accessory pocket 590 can be used to hold all manner of accessories. Accessory pocket 590 can have a transparent outer surface such that items held within can be visible. For example, an accessory pocket can be used to display a golfer's personal information, a sponsored message, or the like. Such an accessory allows a golfer's equipment to be readily customized and personalized based on organization affiliations, sponsorship agreements, and event rules.
FIGS. 6A-D show various leg enhancer 600 outer contours. FIG. 6A shows a dimpled contour 605 which mimics the contour of a golf ball. Similarly, contour 605 can mimic other contours as desired. For example, contour 605 could mimic a baseball stitch pattern or snakeskin. FIG. 6B shows a wrapped contour 610 which can mimic wrapped contours such as a golf club grip, a taped hockey stick, or the like. Such a contour can be particularly useful for advertisers trying to showcase a new, for example, golf club grip design. Utilizing a leg enhancer 600 for advertising products such as golf grips can be beneficial because a leg enhancer can be significantly larger than a standard golf grip and is therefore more readily viewable by spectators and television views. The contours can further comprise additional aesthetic features, such as a company name or logo, such as a company name screen printed on a golf grip contour. FIG. 6C shows another embodiment of a leg enhancer outer contour 615 comprising fur, or a fur-like material.
FIG. 6D shows a leg enhancer 600 outer contour 620 which is both aesthetic and functional. Contour 620 can comprise pockets capable of accepting accessories such as golf balls while allowing the accessories to be at least partially visible. The pockets can further give the leg enhancer 600 a distinctive look. This particular embodiment can comprise a deformable material of construction, such as expanded polyethylene to allow for pockets to accept an accessory, and similarly allow the release thereof.
Embodiments of leg enhancers provided herein can comprise any material of construction as would be deemed practicable by one of skill in the art after review of this disclosure. For example, a leg enhancer can comprise polyethylene, plastic, polyurethane, or foam and be manufactured by injection molding. Leg enhancers can comprise metal, wood, and the like. Leg enhancers can also comprise, for example, polyethylene and be manufactured by extrusion. All embodiments can further comprise outer coatings or sheaths, which can comprise screen printed inks, plastics, cloth, shrink-wrap plastics, polyethylene, polyurethane, and the like.
Patent Application
20140360902
